Harry’s magic

Regardless of their literary standing, it is the manner in which the adventures at Hogwarts have inspired a whole generation of readers that should be celebrated. The books, boosted by blockbuster films boasting all-star casts, have made author JK Rowling one of wealthiest people in Britain and the “Harry Potter brand” is worth several billion pounds. This staggering success is a remarkable achievement and yet many have found it difficult to put their finger on why the stories have cast such a spell on so many readers.

But views about writing quality are simply opinion and the Harry Potter legacy goes beyond that – Harry and his friends deserve their place in history not because they were part of a literary masterpiece, but because, after years of falling sales, millions of young people suddenly found themselves captivated by books again. It prompts one question – who will be the next Harry?